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Guna’s evocative poem for Different Truths, explores the enduring magic of Chitralekha, an artist and companion in Mahabharata, who mysteriously disappears leaving behind a beautiful garden.
Having painted on both eyes suddenly vanished Chitralekha the enchantress She planted in heart the garden of Babylon It is swaying in heart heavenly flowers are blooming Everyday we hear melodious calls of painted birds You are the gardener of the hanging garden I know you won’t come back again Yet amidst the clouds will be shining the radiant smile of the sun
Note: Chitralekha was the boon companion of Usha, the daughter of the King Baan of the Sonitpur kingdom in Assam (India) of the Mahabharata era. Chitralekha had magical skills at painting and portraiture, in particular.
Original Assamese poem titled Chitralekha. Translated from Assamese into English by Nirendra Nath Thakuria.
Picture design by Anumita Roy
